Tuesday briefing: What you need to know ahead of US midterms

For many Democrats, this is not just an election but a fight for democracy itself. Photograph: J David Ake/AP

Good morning.

Today the midterm elections are being held across America. Ballots will be cast for senators, representatives and local officials in one of the most important contests in recent years. It has become tiresome to describe every American election as uniquely significant, but there is a lot at stake with these midterms as the chasm between Democrats and Republicans grows ever wider, and the supreme court decision to no longer protect abortion rights hangs in the air.